Focus on best practices as global meet on pulses returns to India

Subject : Geography

Section: Economic geography

Context:

India is set to be the world’s largest producer of lentil (masur) this year on the back of an expected surge in production estimated at 1.6 million tonnes (mt).
Lentil production in Canada, the top player in the global market, is projected at around 1.5 mt and in Australia at 1.4 mt.

Pulses as a superfood:

India is the largest producer and consumer of pulses globally.
Pulses are considered to be a superfood because of their nutritional benefits, ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and suitability for cultivation in arid conditions with minimal water.

About the Global Pulse Convention:

The Global Pulse Convention, jointly organized by the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED) and the Global Pulse Confederation (GPC), is set to take place in New Delhi in February.
The event will gather around 800 representatives from governments, commercial entities, and non-profit organizations involved in pulse production and processing.
The convention aims to facilitate knowledge sharing among experts, stakeholders, and policymakers.
Pulses are significant in sustainable food systems. The convention will focus on promoting pulses as smart crops and is expected to attract participants from over 40 countries.

Global Pulse Confederation (GPC):

Formerly known as CICILS IPTIC, GPC represents all segments of the pulse industry value chain from growers, researchers, logistics suppliers, traders, exporters and importers to government bodies, multilateral organizations, processors, canners and consumers.
Its membership includes 24 national associations and over 600 private sector members.
GPC is based in Dubai and licensed by the Dubai Multi Commodity Centre (DMCC).
India is a member.
Mr. Vijay Iyengar is the current President of GPC.

India Pulses and Grains Association (IPGA):

IPGA is the apex body representing India’s pulses and grains industry and trade. Registered in Mumbai under Section 8 of the Companies Act 2013, it boasts a membership of over 400, including regional pulse industry associations, reaching over 10,000 stakeholders across the value chain.
IPGA aims to globally enhance the competitiveness of India’s pulses and grains industry, contributing to the nation’s food and nutrition security.
Since 2011, IPGA has engaged with Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Ministries to advocate for policy amendments, including the incorporation of pulses into the Public Distribution System and the Food Security Act.
Additionally, it has worked towards allowing free exports of all pulses and ensuring trading at Minimum Support Price (MSP), with government intervention if trading prices drop.
IPGA also monitors foreign trade in pulses and grains, offering forward-looking guidance to aid the government in policy formulation.